*SOLD OUT* Guide Dogs Kids School Holiday Program January 2026

🚨 ALL DATES SOLD OUT 🚨

Guide Dogs Victoria is excited to announce a Kids School Holiday Program, this summer, aimed at primary school-aged children (5–12 years old). The program combines fun, education, and hands-on experiences with Guide Dogs to inspire kindness, empathy, and learn about accessibility.

This experience will give children the chance to:

• A special sneak peek inside our puppy nursery 

• See our incredible Guide Dogs show off their skills led by our expert trainers 

• Learn about what it’s like to have low vision or blindness by trying out a blindfold walk and low-vision goggles 

• “Crack the Code” Braille activity 

• Hang out with our Ambassador Dogs with cuddles available all day 

The program will run as a full-day (9:00 AM–3:30 PM) at a cost of $130 inc. GST. Participants will be required to bring their own lunch on the day.

There are now three dates due to popular demand;

SOLD OUT: Monday the 12th of January

SOLD OUT: Thursday the 15th of January

SOLD OUT: Tuesday 20th of January

Places are limited — don’t miss out on this Paw-some experience!

Thank you for being part of our Guide Dogs Victoria family - we can’t wait to welcome your little ones.

This is a child-safe event and all Guide Dogs Victoria staff and volunteers are trained in child safety requirements, and have relevant probity checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Guide Dogs Victoria’s School Holiday Program suitable for?

The program is designed for children aged 5 to 12 years in primary school. Activities are tailored to suit different age groups, with plenty of hands-on fun and guided learning throughout the day.

Do children need to have prior experience with dogs?

No prior experience is needed. All interactions with dogs are carefully supervised by trained Guide Dogs Victoria staff and volunteers, and children are taught how to safely and respectfully engage with our dogs.

What will my child be doing during the day?

Children will enjoy a full day of engaging activities, including:

• A guided visit to our puppy nursery

• Watching Guide Dogs demonstrate their skills with professional trainers

• Learning about blindness and low vision through interactive experiences

• Braille and problem-solving activities

• Craft and creative sessions

• Spending time with our friendly Ambassador Dogs

The day is designed to balance learning, play, rest time and plenty of fun.

What time does the program run?

The program runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please ensure children are dropped off and collected on time, as we cannot accept children before the start time or supervise children after the program finish time.

What should my child bring? Children should bring:

• A nut-free packed lunch and snacks

• A refillable water bottle

• A hat and sunscreen

• Comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes

• Any required medication (with instructions) Further details will be provided after booking.

Are meals provided?

No, families are asked to provide a nut-free packed lunch and snacks for their child.

Who will be supervising the children?

Children are supervised at all times by a combination of Guide Dogs Victoria staff and trained volunteers, following appropriate child safety and supervision ratios.

Is the program accessible for children with additional needs?

Absolutely! We aim to be as inclusive as possible. Please contact us before booking to discuss your child’s needs so we can determine how best to support them.

Can I stay with my child?

No. This is a child-only program, and parents or carers are not able to stay during the day. Children are fully supervised by Guide Dogs Victoria staff and trained volunteers at all times, following appropriate child safety and supervision ratios.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Cancellation and refund details are outlined during the booking process via Humanitix. Please review these carefully before completing your registration.